You would expect Manchester United to dominate the headlines following their crucial league win over Fulham, with a late winner scored by the 18 year old Alejandro Garnacho. Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand, had different plans.

Back in august, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram that, "They (will) know the truth when they interview in a couple weeks." When asked about the possible interview back then, United Manager Erik Ten Hag replied, "I don't know what he will achieve with that."

Three months passed and United fans probably forgot about Ronaldo's comment. However, Ronaldo didn't forget, and just a week before the world cup, the bombshell interview dropped out of the blue.

In the "most explosive interview he's (Ronaldo) ever given" – as per Piers – Ronaldo took a dig at the club executives, the manager, former manager Ralf Rangnick and even his former teammate Wayne Rooney.

He claimed United tried to make him a "Black Sheep" and accused the club of doubting him and when his daughter's illness made him return late for pre-season. 

When asked about United trying to force him out, he replied, "Yes. Not only the coach but the other two or three around the club. I felt betrayed."

He also followed the likes of Zlatan, Van Gaal and Mourinho in showing his discontent at how the club is run. He says, "Nothing changed. I thought I would see new technology, infrastructure. I saw (the same) things I saw when I was 20"

In addition to that, he claimed to be surprised when United hired Ralf Rangnick and said, "This guy is not even a coach." 

He added, "You have some things inside that don't help reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal."

He also hit back at Wayne Rooney for his comments saying, "I don't know why he criticises me so much, probably because he's finished his career and I'm still playing at the top level." 

When asked about Ten Hag, he replied, "I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me."

Ronaldo claims he wants to express his side of the story and show that he wants change for the good of the club. Piers Morgan also told talkSPORT after the interview that, "He loves United and the fans but feels if he doesn't speak nothing will change."

However, the manner in which he lashed out at the club probably did more harm than good. Just when United seemed to be improving, his acts overshadowed the squad's recent progress and created a negative environment and brought unwanted attention.

For now, United have handed out a hefty fine to their legend, but we can expect that Ronaldo's time at United will come to an end due to this.

What was supposed to be a fairytale homecoming of a fan favorite, ended up being the worst possible experience for all parties involved. If there was any hope to rekindle the relationship between Ronaldo and United, it's all gone now. It remains to be seen what happens in the future after this.

Tamjidul Hoque is ready to be hurt again by Argentina this world cup, tell him what you think will happen this time at: tamjidulh@gmail.com 

References:

1. www.sportskeeda.com (August 19,2022). "I don't know what he will achieve with that" – Ten Hag responds to Cristiano Ronaldo announcing he will 'tell the truth' in 2 weeks amid ongoing transfer saga.